Kidney Disease Benefits in Connecticut

To qualify for federal disability benefits with kidney disease, you must have a medical condition that stops you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or lead to death. For SSDI, you need enough work credits and Social Security taxes paid. For SSI, you must meet strict income and asset limits. In 2025, you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month from substantial work (or $2,700 if blind) to qualify for SSDI or SSI. Children and adults with disabilities that started before age 22 may also qualify for benefits on a parent's record if they are unmarried and meet the disability definition[4][1].

Connecticut offers extra help for people with kidney disease through the State Supplement Program, which gives cash to supplement SSI or SSDI for the aged, blind, or disabled. The state also runs Medicaid waiver programs like the ABI Waiver for home and community-based services. To qualify for state cash help, your income and assets must be below certain limits. Connecticut does not count the federal cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) as income when deciding eligibility for its cash assistance programs, which helps more people stay eligible[2][3].

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Decide if you need SSI (low income/assets) or SSDI (work history).
• Fill out the application online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• Apply for Connecticut state benefits through the Department of Social Services (DSS).
• Consider hiring a disability attorney for help with paperwork and appeals.

• Collect documents: Get medical records, pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of disability from your doctor.
• Check eligibility: Review federal and state income and asset limits. For SSI, your resources must be under $2,000 (single) or $3,000 (couple). For SSDI, you need enough work credits[4][5].
• Apply for federal benefits: Start your SSI or SSDI application online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. Be ready to answer questions about your medical condition and work history[4].
• Apply for state benefits: Contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) for the State Supplement Program, Medicaid waivers, and other help. You can apply online or in person at a DSS office[3].
• Follow up: Respond to all requests for more information. If denied, you can appeal with help from a disability attorney or legal aid group[1][5].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash for people with disabilities who have low income and assets.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly cash for people with disabilities who have a work history and paid Social Security taxes.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and disabilities.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities after 24 months of SSDI.
• Family Benefits: Spouses, children, and adults with disabilities that started before age 22 may qualify for benefits on a parent's record[4].

• State Supplement Program: Extra cash for the aged, blind, or disabled to help meet basic needs. This is paid in addition to SSI or SSDI[3].
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Programs like the ABI Waiver provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including kidney disease, to avoid institutional care[3].
• Personal Services Program: Grants for personal assistants to help people with severe disabilities live at home[3].
• Family Support Grant Program: Subsidies for families raising children with developmental disabilities[3].
• Legal Services for Indigent People: Free civil legal help for low-income individuals in areas like housing and domestic relations[3].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Connecticut residents with kidney disease can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Learn more about ABLE accounts and eligibility[internal_link_ABLE_Accounts].

For SSI in 2025, the income limit is $1,620 per month from substantial work (or $2,700 if blind). Your assets must be under $2,000 (single) or $3,000 (couple). For SSDI, there is no asset limit, but you must have enough work credits. Connecticut state programs have their own income and asset rules[4][5].

If your income or situation changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. This includes changes in work, living situation, or medical condition. Learn how to report changes and avoid overpayments[internal_link_Avoiding_Overpayments_Reporting_Changes].

• Connecticut Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-800-842-4589

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  Website

  Apply for state disability benefits and Medicaid.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  Apply for SSI and SSDI.

• Can I get disability benefits for kidney disease in Connecticut?

  Yes, if your kidney disease stops you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must meet federal income and asset limits for SSI, or have enough work credits for SSDI. Connecticut also offers extra cash and Medicaid help[4][3].

• What is the income limit for disability benefits in Connecticut?

  In 2025, you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month from substantial work (or $2,700 if blind) to qualify for SSI or SSDI. Connecticut state programs have their own income rules[4][2].

• How do I apply for disability benefits for kidney disease?

  Gather medical records and proof of income. Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov or at a Social Security office. Apply for Connecticut state benefits through the Department of Social Services. Consider hiring a disability attorney for help[4][3][1].

• What state programs help people with kidney disease in Connecticut?

  Connecticut offers the State Supplement Program for extra cash, Medicaid waivers for home care, the Personal Services Program for personal assistants, and the Family Support Grant for families with children with disabilities[3].

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for kidney disease?

  You can work, but your earnings must be below the substantial gainful activity limit of $1,620 per month in 2025 (or $2,700 if blind). Social Security has work incentives to help you try working without losing benefits[4].

• Do I need a lawyer to apply for disability benefits?